Liposuction vs. tummy tuck - what's the difference?

Many patients need both a tummy tuck and liposuction, but for different reasons.  A tummy tuck will remove the extra skin that may have become stretched out (including the many of the stretch marks -- if you are so "lucky"), and liposuction is great for debulking areas that may have become... more

In many cases both tummy tuck and liposuction done together give you the best result. The key is the amount of loose skin and fat in the abdomen following pregnancy. If the problem is primarily loose skin with very little fat, then a tummy tuck alone will remove loose skin and tighten the tummy. However, if... more

The correct procedure depends upon your tissues and anatomy. Liposuction removes excess fat under the skin. We then rely on the skin elasticity to tighten the skin over the area of liposuction. A tummy tuck removes excess skin, excess fat and tightens the underlying muscles. If your abdominal problem is... more

HUGE difference...and this all hinges on your individual anatomy. Indiciations for Liposuction  :  Lipodystrophy (excess fatty tissue) Indications for Tummy Tuck : Sagging skin, heavy stretch marks, prominent abdomen (pouch) due to muscle separation. A tummy tuck is a major operation with longer... more

A tummy tuck is indicated in patients who have loose, saggy skin with or without stretch marks. Usually this is the result of pregnancy or weight fluctuations throughout a patient's life. These patients may also have a weakness of the abdominal wall (the lower portion typically) which will require tightening... more

Both procedures can improve the contour of your abdomen. The best procedure for you depends upon your anatomy. Liposuction will only remove excess fat in spot areas.  The skin must then rely on its own elasticity to shrink back. If one has a great deal of excess skin, then an abdominoplasty is a better... more

Usually someone who has had three full term pregnancies will have excess skin.  Liposuction alone really does nothing to address this problem. A full tummy tuck, on the other hand, involves removal of both skin and fat as well as tightening of the abdominal muscles which often have some laxity, especially... more

It is difficult to say if you would need liposuction or a tummy tuck without first examining you. It will depend on your skin laxity around the abdominal area and what exacty the patient wants to achieve. Some patients want to look good in clothes but don't care if they have loose skin in the abdominal area.... more

When a patient comes in for a visit, I usually note that there are 3 areas I look at: the amount of skin laxity and excess the amount of fat deposits and where (localized, circumferential) and, the presence or absence of abdomen muscle wall laxity. Depending on the three, I can usually come up with a... more

My medical philosophy is to do the least invasive procedure first, whenever possible.  It is pretty well established that tumescent liposuction of the abdomen (using only local anesthetic) has far fewer risks for the patient that a tummy tuck procedure (larger surgical procedure done under general... more